Update: Syracuse police charge man with robbery after he is hit by car on West Matson Street

View full sizeGary Walts / The Post-StandardSyracuse city police investigate scene of a shooting at 376 W. Matson St. in Syracuse. Police say a man was shooting at a vehicle and the driver of that vehicle ran the gunman over. The gunman has leg, head, and arm injuries. The officer is holding the gun that was used and the vehicle is behind them.

Gregory Jones, 22, of Syracuse, was charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third- and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and first-degree reckless endangerment.

Here’s what happened, according to Syracuse Police Sgt. Tom Connellan:

At about 4:30 p.m., Steven Glen, 52, of Syracuse, and Eloise Smith, 44, of Syracuse, met Jones in the 200 block of Evaleen Avenue to sell Jones 34 grams of powder cocaine. At the meeting, Jones pulled a handgun and took the drugs from Glen and Smith. Jones then fled.

Glen and Smith went to the home of Willie Jones, 63, of Syracuse, who is Eloise Smith’s father and no relation to Gregory Jones. They told Willie Jones that a man had just pulled gun on them, but did not say it was a drug transaction.

They all got into Willie Jones’ Chevy Trailblazer and went looking for Gregory Jones. Willie Jones was driving.

At about 5 p.m., they spotted Gregory Jones in the 300 block of West Matson Avenue. As they approached, Gregory Jones removed a loaded .38-caliber handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the car.

Willie Jones told police he ducked down with his foot still on the accelerator. He said he heard a shot and then the SUV struck Gregory Jones.

Willie Jones called 911 and waited for police. Gregory Jones suffered compound fractures to his right and left legs, a head injury and internal bleeding. Gregory Jones was taken to Upstate University Hospital in critical condition where he had emergency surgery and is expected to survive his injuries.

Officers found 34 grams of powder cocaine and a handgun in Gregory Jones’ possession and arrested him.

No charges have been filed against Willie Jones. The investigation into the initial drug transaction is still under investigation.